Mecca Gibbs

1931 - July 1, 2021

MRS. DOMENICA ROSE “MECCA” RAVIZZA GIBBS, age 90, of Eastman, GA, died Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Obituary for Mecca Gibbs

MRS. DOMENICA ROSE “MECCA” RAVIZZA GIBBS, age 90, of Eastman, GA, died Thursday, July 1, 2021.

 Memorial services will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, July 8, at St. Mark Catholic Church, with Father Stephen Pontzer and Father Jude Shayo officiating.

 Mecca was born March 1, 1931 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Italian immigrants, Dominic and Luigia Ravizza; a heritage she was very proud of. After graduating from Pittsfield high school, she worked in a purse factory for a while. Then she met Harold Gibbs, a navy sailor, on a blind date and married him a month later. They were married for 66 years until his death in 2019. As a military wife she adapted to the many moves up and down the east coast, making a home for her husband and eventually their four children. She was a homemaker most of her life but while living in Virginia Beach, she worked as a cafeteria cook in the school system. She also worked a few part-time jobs in Eastman at Cato’s and a local florist shop. But, the job she loved the most was at Saint Mark Catholic Church, where she along with her husband were an integral part of the building of the church in Eastman. She continued working at the church over the years in many different capacities. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing, country and western music, dancing the polka, crafts, and beating anyone who played racehorse canasta with her. She was always up for a challenge and a good time. She was a dedicated wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was affectionately known as “Nana” to her family and grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband, Mecca was preceded in death by a Son, Kurt Edward Gibbs, and 4 Siblings, Joanna Ravizza Wagstaff, Tony Ravizza, Delfino Ravizza, and John Ravizza.

 She is survived by her 2 Daughters – Debra Ann Keane (Dennis) of Virginia Beach, VA and Regina Maddox (Dennis) of Leesburg, GA; Son – Harold K. “Buddy” Gibbs (M.E.) of Eastman; 7 Grandchildren – Jennifer Brown Brunson (Shaun), Josh Gibbs (Joanna), Myra Yansom (Bud), Domenick “Nick” Gibbs, Matthew Keane (Julie), Sarah Keane (Andy), and Katie Keane (Jordan); 6 Great-Grandchildren – Makayla, Mia, Connor, Riley, Kaitlyn, and Grayson; 2 Brothers – Dino Ravizza (Virgie) of Maryland and Richard Ravizza (Sigred) of California; Sister-in-law – Roseanne Ravizza of Pittsfield, MA and Rita Soleo of Tampa, FL; Numerous Nieces and Nephews; Beloved Canine Companion - Maggie.

 The family may be contacted at the residence of Jennifer and Shaun Brunson, 1878 Dublin Hwy., Eastman. In addition to flowers, the family request contributions to St. Mark Catholic Church, 1687 Hawkinsville Hwy., Eastman, GA 31023.



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